The Amazing Man Who Stayed Behind in War Torn Aleppo, Syria To Care for the City’s Abandoned Cats

Mohammad Alaa Jaleel, an incredibly brave and compassionate man who lives in the Masaken Hanano neighborhood of war-torn Aleppo, Syria, has taken it upon himself to care for the increasing number of cats who have been left behind by families fleeing for safety. Alaa has set up a small sanctuary named “Ernesto’s Sanctuary for Cats“, a place where the cats can feel safe and be fed. Not only does this amazing man take care of the abandoned cats, but his day job as a paramedic has him taking care of anyone who needs his help, especially children. Because of his big heart, Alaa has gained a great many admirers, including some who rightfully want to nominate him for a Nobel Prize.

Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel, Il Gattaro di Aleppo, lives in Aleppo – Syria. Despite being in the middle of an atrocious war he didn’t lose his humanity and his love for other creatures. Mohammad is a civilian and a paramedic, he drives and ambulance providing first aid and transporting injured people: he risks his life while the area is bombarded just to help creatures in need. On top of this, in his spare time he also looks after animals and has opened a rescue place for cats in Syria called “Ernesto – the house of cats” (in Italian: la casa dei gatti Ernesto). At the moment his rescue place counts more than 170 cats plus few dogs, and thanks to his Facebook group “Il Gattaro di Aleppo”, Alaa has friends from all over the world: Europe, Australia, US, Israel and so on…all united to help him in his great mission of helping people in need, widows, children and helpless animals. We are a group of friends from all over the world, believing that Alaa deserves the Nobel Peace Prize because with everything he does and his huge, pure heart he is an example for all of us. The City of Segrate (Milan, Italy) has officially launched the candidacy of Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel, sending the proposal to the Nobel Prize Office.

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.